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Arthritis, Osteoporosis, and Osteopenia

Intended Audience:

Course Level:

Intermediate

Course Type: Virtual course icon Live Webinar

September 19, 2026

Check-In Time: 9/19/2026 6:45:00 AM

Course Time(s): Check in time 6:45-7:00AM (CST) Course Time: 7:00AM-2:00PM (CST)

Course Location:

Live Webinar

Contact Hours: 6.0

Course Completion:
Course intended to be completed in full.

Instructor: Jennifer Darby PT, DPT, GCS, CCN, CPAHA, CEEAA

Instructor Bio:
Jennifer Darby PT, DPT, GCS, CCN, CPAHA, CEEAA is a doctor of physical therapy, a certified exercise expert for the aging adult, a board-certified geriatric specialist, and possesses a certification in applied health administration. She brings almost twenty years of clinical experience in the geriatric and orthopedic fields. Dr. Darby is the owner of Trinity Physical Therapy in Brewster, New York and a clinical adjunct faculty member at New York Medical College. Dr. Darby has developed various community-based educational programs for optimizing rehab options for older adults. She obtained her BS in Physical Therapy from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts and her Doctorate from the University of Montana with a certification in allied health administration.

Financial Disclosure:
FINANCIAL: Jennifer Darby is compensated by Summit as an instructor. She is the owner of Trinity Physical Therapy in Brewster, NY and an adjunct faculty member at New York Medical College.

Non‑financial Disclosure:
NONFINANCIAL: Jennifer Darby has no nonfinancial relationships to disclose.

Arthritis, Osteoporosis, and Osteopenia image

Course Description:

It is now estimated that one-third of the United States population has reported having a musculoskeletal disease. With the prevalence of this disease continuing to grow, it is important that therapists are equipped to positively impact quality of life and function for these patients. While exercise prescriptions are a very important component of treatment, it is also critical that we understand the positive and negative impact nutrition, diet and medications can play in the progressions of patient outcomes. Gaining an understanding in this area will promote the best treatment plan possible for improving pain, posture and function.

This relevant, one-day workshop will focus on a comprehensive approach to effectively treating common musculoskeletal disease. Participants will review the latest research, biology as well as common patient populations at risk for these diseases. Nutrition, diet and the digestive process will be analyzed so that we can gain an understanding of how we can play a positive role in this area. Pharmacological considerations will be evaluated to help participants recognize how these can effect exercise treatment. Participants will leave having the best practices for assessment and treatment of patients with arthritis, osteoporosis and osteopenia. Participants will take away exercise and strengthening considerations that will promote functional improvement for pain, posture, flexibility and overall quality of life.

Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, the participant should be able to:

yyyCharacterize the current research and impact of musculoskeletal disease across patient populations.
Interpret the importance of nutrition, diet and the digestive process.
Examine the impact and effects of pharmacology onoccupations in patients with musculoskeletal disease.
Utilize the most optimal assessment and testing strategies for patients with musculoskeletal disease.
Identify and prescribe safe, effective exercises to patients with arthritis, osteoporosis and osteopenia patients.
Evaluate exercise and strengthening considerations forhigh risk and geriatric populations.

Course Agenda:

Activity Title: Patients with Arthritis, Osteoporosis, and Osteopenia (360 minutes)

OBJECTIVES	CONTENT (TOPICS)	TIME FRAME
Objective 1 Musculoskeletal Disease	Nutrition, wellness, and aging in US Characteristics and populations Pathophysiology and epidemiology Obesity trends “The Calcium Paradox” Health wellness trends	60 minutes
Objective 2 Nutrition, Diet, and the Digestive Process	Essential nutrients - What they are and why they are essential Nutrient function at the cell level and on body systems New and updated food pyramid New portions and recommendations How digestion occurs in the gut and the “leaky gut”	60 minutes
BREAK 15 minutes
Objective 3 Pharmacological Considerations	Prescription calcium medications vs. over the counter Medications that affect nutrient absorption Treating pain and the impact on treatment	45 minutes
Objective 4 Best Practices for Arthritis	Biology and research Assessment, testing, and clinical diagnosis Treatment strategies for PT and OT	45 minutes
LUNCH 30 minutes
Objective 5 Best Practices for Osteoporosis	Biology and research Assessment, testing, and clinical diagnosis Treatment strategies for PT and OT	45 minutes
Objective 6 Best Practices for Osteopenia	Biology and research Assessment, testing, and clinical diagnosis Treatment strategies for PT and OT	45 minutes
BREAK 15 minutes
Objective 7 Exercise and Strengthening Considerations	Considerations in geriatric population Other high risk group considerations Building balance, posture, flexibility, and ADL function Reducing pain Other modalities for treatment	60 minutes

Teaching Methods Include: Verbal communication, questions and answers, demonstrations, written evaluations and handouts.

Course Fee: $200

Registration deadline: September 18

Contact Information

M Health Fairview Rehab Services Continuing Education Department

Email: rehabce@fairview.org
Phone: 612-672-5607